Avionics News January 2013 - 17

Air Carrier Contract Maintenance Requirements

On Nov. 13, 2012, the FAA proposed to amend the maintenance regulations for domestic, flag and supplemental operations, and commuter and on-demand operations for aircraft type certificated with a passenger seating configuration of 10 seats or more, excluding any pilot seat. The proposed rules would require these operators to develop policies, procedures, methods and instructions for performing contract maintenance that are acceptable to the FAA and include them in their maintenance manuals. The rules also would require the operators to provide a list to the FAA of all persons with whom they contract their maintenance. Comments on the proposal are due Feb. 11, 2013.

News & Regulatory Updates Transport Canada Clarifies Major Modification Process

CANADA

be trying to include a better reference between CAR 521 and the approved data requirements of CAR 571 and STD 571, as required. This also will include amending STD 571.06(1)(d) in order to better define the intent of a delegate determining acceptability of data. Also, TCCA is reviewing if the Single S/N STC (SSTC) needs to be identified within CAR 521 and/or CAR/STD 571. The thought is that an SSTC must meet the same requirements as an STC and, therefore, is considered to be already part of the STC process and further definition is not required within CAR 521 or 571. TCCA also stated that a new DAR’s manual issued today contains privileges associated with the current CAR 521; however, manuals issued prior to the publication of CAR 521 may contain privileges that are no longer supported by the CARs, such as approving independent data as allowed by STD 571.06. Based on this, the current TCCA regulatory framework only supports modifications and data based on CAR 521, which does not include performing a major modification using approved data in any other form than an STC or SSTC. TCCA advised this may require some additional guidance to delegates/industry but does not require any rulemaking.

At the AEA Canada Regional Meeting in August 2012, the Aircraft Electronics Association queried Transport Canada Civil Aviation on the current interpretation of CAR STD (AWM) 571.06(1), which states that approved data includes “drawings and methods approved by the minister or a delegate…” The AEA pointed out that this provision allows, for example, a DAR to issue a statement of compliance to approve structural modifications for antenna installations on a pressurized fuselage and, hence, enable a major modification to be incorporated on the aircraft without the need for a supplemental type certificate application. This is similar to the FAA system whereby a DER may issue an 8110-3 for a similar structural modification. However, in the new CAR 521 regulatory environment, a DAR now issues a new format statement of compliance per TC Form 26-0757, which does not approve data, but makes a finding of compliance that the data complies with the applicable regulations. This means there now is technically no DAR-approved data as referenced in STD 571.06. TCCA subsequently advised there currently is a notice of proposed amendment being processed to introduce several changes to CAR 521. As part of these changes, TCCA will

News & Regulatory Updates European Aviation Safety Agency

EUROPE

Of interest to AEA members involved in maintenance or design, the European Aviation Safety Agency recently issued the preliminary status on an ongoing rulemaking task, MDM.056, in regards to instructions for continued airworthiness. The reason to address ICA into a rulemaking task was EASA experience has shown there is too much room for interpretation in the current rules and standards, leading to differences in interpretation and possible safety risks. The working group is composed of 24 participants, including representatives of the FAA, TCCA, EU, NAA, aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers and airline/maintenance organizations. While the working group continues to work on standards and definitions, the following manuals/documents
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Avionics News January 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News January 2013